Ellen Jones

When you hear the term “physical therapy,” you likely picture someone who has recently had surgery and requires rehabilitation to rebuild their strength. As your pet ages, their body slowly declines and becomes as weak as if they had surgery on a limb or joint. During this age-related decline, they can lose muscle mass and […]

The word “osteoarthritis” is a combination of Greek word parts: “osteo” for bone, “arthr” for joint, and “itis” for inflammation. Osteoarthritis (OA) results from the progressive loss of joint cartilage, the thickening of connective tissue around the joint, and the development of spur-like bony growths that cause pain with movement. OA most commonly affects the

Alternative treatment options can be particularly beneficial for managing your senior pet’s health problems. Holistic and alternative medicines like acupuncture complement traditional Western medicine for pets and can help support pharmaceutical treatments or act in place of medications. Because senior pets often have organ diseases, such as liver or kidney disease, their bodies can be

As the spookiest of nights rolls around, your greying pet may find Halloween a little scarier than years past, especially if they are affected by cognitive dysfunction or anxiety. The ringing doorbell, costumed strangers, and loud noises may increase their stress and leave them a quivering mess. Whether your senior pet is a social butterfly

When approaching your beloved pet to medicate them remember to remain calm. If you approach your pet with stressed, frustrated energy it will only stress your pet more and put them on the defense. Plan to medicate your pet when you have some time to devote to doing so, be patient, and approach them when

Although your senior pet may no longer be as interested in chewing and playing with toys, chew toys are the perfect activity for physical and mental stimulation. In addition to keeping your senior pet entertained, chew toys will keep them more active, help them use their brain more, and care for their dental health. However,

Senior pets typically make many changes, from different behaviors to mobility issues, that may be concerning. If your senior pet is leaving their food bowl partly full or has suddenly developed a ravenous appetite, their appetite change could be caused by various factors. As your senior pet’s caregiver, you want to act quickly when a

Feeding your senior pet can be tricky and involves more thought and care than simply filling their bowl twice daily. Many factors need consideration, particularly if your pet has a disease that impacts their appetite or ability to eat normally. Good nutrition is imperative for keeping your aging pet as healthy as possible and ensuring

Pets, especially senior pets, often become weak in the hind end and struggle to stand, walk, or climb stairs or furniture. This weakness, called paresis, can progress to full-blown paralysis, which is a complete loss of voluntary movement. Your pet may become paralyzed because of a degenerative condition, like degenerative myelopathy or intervertebral disc disease.

Caring for an ailing pet can be challenging but it can be rewarding too! With the right veterinary care and the right mindset, we can adapt to the needs of our pets the same way they adapt to ours. Salihli Opperman is “a declawed, indoor, housecat with a passive-aggressive temperament that will occasionally get spooked by